Political Shift: Wisconsin Democrats’ capture of the governor’s office and both legislative chambers gives the party its first state-government trifecta in 16 years. Governor-elect David Crowley will be the state’s first Black governor, and he says affordability will be a top priority. Democrats have also signaled interest in legalizing marijuana and revisiting school funding. County Finances: Milwaukee County supervisors approved the 2027 budget and called for a review after discovering a $4.56 million automated error that overstated savings. The county disclosed the problem after the election, prompting demands for greater oversight. Household Costs: The Public Service Commission approved a We Energies rate increase, though final rates are pending. The utility had proposed monthly bill increases of about $13 in 2027 and $8 to $9 in 2028. Public Health: Wisconsin’s first measles death in 36 years comes as student vaccination rates remain near historic lows; just 16 districts met the 95% immunization benchmark last school year, down from 101 in 2019. Higher Education: UW-Madison named three finalists for chancellor, with public forums scheduled next week.
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Statehouse Shift: David Crowley’s win makes him Wisconsin’s first Black governor, while Democrats take control of both legislative chambers for the first time in nearly two decades. Crowley has put affordability at the top of his agenda; Democratic leaders say marijuana legalization is also on the table. Data Center Pushback: Voters across the country backed restrictions on data center projects, and Madison is gathering public input on zoning rules as local debate grows over the facilities’ power, water and land demands. County Budget: Milwaukee County faces a $4.56 million gap in its proposed 2027 budget after a software error reversed two airport-related entries, forcing officials to find savings or new revenue. Broadband Access: The state is awarding nearly $58 million in grants to extend high-speed internet to unserved communities; since 2019, the program has helped bring new or improved service to more than 428,000 Wisconsin homes and businesses. Arts Funding: Big Top Chautauqua’s 2027 season is uncertain as its nonprofit operator responds to a shortfall exceeding $880,000.
Wisconsin Election: David Crowley won the governor’s race, becoming the state’s first Black governor. Democrats also flipped both legislative chambers, giving the party its first state government trifecta in 16 years, and Josh Kaul won a third term as attorney general. Congressional Races: Democrats Rebecca Cooke and Mitchell Berman unseated Republican incumbents Derrick Van Orden and Bryan Steil, while Republican Michael Alfonso won northern Wisconsin’s 7th District. Affordability: Crowley says lowering costs and improving health care are top priorities, but has yet to detail his first policy moves. Ballot Measures: Voters approved two of three constitutional amendments, including measures on preferential treatment and the governor’s partial-veto power. Janesville voters also backed requiring public approval for future changes at the former GM site, amid debate over a proposed data center. Jobs and Industry: Milwaukee’s Maynard Steel Casting plans to close in December, affecting 77 workers. The USDA awarded $1.07 million to four Wisconsin meat processors to expand production and market access.
Historic Shift: Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley defeated Tom Tiffany to become Wisconsin’s first Black governor, leading Democrats to majorities in both chambers of the Legislature and a statewide trifecta. Rising costs and affordability were central campaign issues. Congressional Races: Democrats Rebecca Cooke and Mitchell Berman flipped Wisconsin’s 3rd and 1st Districts, unseating Derrick Van Orden and Bryan Steil. Republican Michael Alfonso won the 7th District. Statewide Firsts: Democrat JoCasta Zamarripa won the secretary of state race, becoming Wisconsin’s first Latino statewide elected official, while Yee Leng Xiong became the state’s first Hmong statewide officer by winning the treasurer race. Attorney General Josh Kaul won a third term. Ballot Questions: Voters approved amendments limiting the governor’s partial veto power and barring government preferences based on race or sex; a proposal protecting worship gatherings during emergencies failed. Schools: A Barron-area operating referendum was rejected as districts across Wisconsin face tight budgets and calls for school-funding reform.
Wisconsin Trifecta: Democrats won the governor’s office and majorities in both legislative chambers, ending Republicans’ 14-year Assembly control. David Crowley defeated Tom Tiffany to become Wisconsin’s first Black governor, with affordability and lowering family costs among his campaign priorities. Congressional Shifts: Democrat Rebecca Cooke unseated Derrick Van Orden in the 3rd District, and Mitchell Berman defeated Bryan Steil in the 1st, returning that seat to Democrats for the first time since 1995. Statewide Races: Democrat JoCasta Zamarripa won the secretary of state race, becoming the first Latina elected to statewide office; Attorney General Josh Kaul also won a third term. National Fallout: Democrats took control of both houses of Congress, a sweeping setback for President Donald Trump and Republicans, with rising costs a leading concern for voters.
Election Day: Wisconsin voters are choosing a governor, congressional and legislative representatives, and deciding three proposed constitutional amendments. The governor’s race between Democrat David Crowley and Republican Tom Tiffany could coincide with a shift in legislative control; more than 70 school districts also have funding referendums on the ballot. Ballot Questions: The amendments would limit the governor’s partial veto power, bar officials from closing churches during future pandemics, and restrict government affirmative-action and DEI programs. Counting: Nearly 797,000 absentee ballots had been returned by Tuesday morning, up more than 7% from 2022. Elections officials urged patience as clerks count, with accuracy taking priority over speed.
Governor’s Race: Wisconsin voters head to the polls Tuesday in a close contest between Democrat David Crowley and Republican Tom Tiffany. Crowley is seeking to keep the office in Democratic hands; Tiffany has promised tax relief and to return the state’s roughly $3 billion surplus. Legislative Control: Democrats see a chance to win the governor’s office and flip both chambers for the first time since 2010. The open 21st Senate District is a key battleground, while more than 70 school districts have tax referendums on the ballot. Household Costs: Wisconsin regulators expect health insurance premiums to rise by a weighted average of 21.7% in 2027. Regulators warn that cheaper limited-benefit plans may leave consumers without comprehensive coverage. Energy Investment: Alliant Energy has secured a $5.1 billion federal loan package for power projects in Wisconsin and Iowa, including natural gas generation and battery storage.
Election Watch: Wisconsin voters head to the polls Tuesday in a governor’s race that has drawn a record $166 million in spending, while control of the Legislature is also up for grabs. Democrats see a chance to flip chambers, including in Wisconsin. Higher Education: UW regents unanimously selected Tonjanita Johnson, a senior University of Alabama System leader, as the next Universities of Wisconsin president. She starts around Jan. 1 and will be the system’s first person of color to lead it. Oak Creek Development: Construction is underway on Wisconsin’s first Buc-ee’s, but the travel center’s opening has slipped from 2027 to 2028. The project could still finish sooner, depending on construction. Milwaukee: More than 750,000 people celebrated the Brewers’ first World Series title at a downtown parade and rally, giving local bars and businesses a boost during the championship run.
Higher Education: The Universities of Wisconsin regents unanimously chose Tonjanita Johnson, an Alabama System administrator, as the system’s next president, with her term expected to begin in January 2027. Business & Housing: Beloit is seeking developers for 27 acres of potential multifamily housing as officials look to meet demand and support local employers. Data Centers: Opposition is gaining ground in Wisconsin, where a small city halted a proposed $1.6 billion project; a national analysis also lists Wisconsin among states where candidates have backed construction moratoriums. Election: Wisconsin’s governor’s race has drawn a record $166 million in spending, while control of the state Senate remains highly competitive. Brewers: Milwaukee’s championship season keeps delivering: Brice Turang won his second Gold Glove, and Jackson Chourio earned his first. Baseball: Jerry Koosman, the pitcher who recorded the final out of the 1969 World Series for the Miracle Mets, has died at 83 in Osceola.
Governor’s Race: Spending in Wisconsin’s governor’s contest has hit a record $166 million, with candidates and outside groups flooding the airwaves ahead of Election Day. Data Center Pushback: Menomonie rejected a secretive $1.6 billion data center proposal after residents and local officials raised concerns about the project’s scale, water use and undisclosed backers. Young Voters: UW-Stevens Point students urged classmates to seek out candidates’ views beyond social media ads and turn out at the polls. Brewers’ Celebration: Milwaukee police estimate more than 750,000 people attended the Brewers’ championship parade and rally, possibly the largest crowd for a single-day event in state history.
Wisconsin’s Election: Voters head to the polls Tuesday in a closely watched governor’s race; a Marquette poll put Democrat David Crowley ahead of Republican Tom Tiffany, 51% to 44%. Brewers’ Boom: Milwaukee’s World Series parade drew an estimated 750,000 people, and bars and restaurants reported a major business surge during the team’s historic run. Power and Data Centers: A UW-Madison panel warned that major data center projects could drive much of Wisconsin’s projected electricity-demand growth. Madison College, meanwhile, plans a rooftop solar project expected to supply about 35% of its Goodman South campus’s power. UW Leadership: Universities of Wisconsin regents selected Tonja Johnson, an Alabama system executive, as the system’s next president. County Taxes: Marathon County’s proposed 2027 budget would lower the tax rate but raise the levy 8.2%; owners of average-value homes could pay about $53 more.
Brewers’ Historic Welcome: More than 750,000 people turned out for Milwaukee’s championship parade and rally, a crowd that may set a Wisconsin record and brought a burst of business to local shops and restaurants. UW System Leadership: Regents chose Tonjanita Johnson, an Alabama university system executive, to lead the Universities of Wisconsin. Election Countdown: Voters choose between David Crowley and Tom Tiffany for governor on Tuesday, amid debate over affordability, schools and public safety. More than 70 school districts are also seeking a combined $1.6 billion through ballot referendums. Farm and Water: Exceptional drought has left some Wisconsin pastures far below expected growth, adding pressure as farm costs remain high. New enforceable state groundwater standards for PFAS are set to take effect in 2027.
Election Countdown: Wisconsin heads to the polls Tuesday after a record-spending governor’s race topped $166 million in candidate spending. Absentee ballot returns are up 7% from 2022, and more than 70 school districts are seeking a combined $1.6 billion through referendums. Brewers Celebration: More than 750,000 fans packed Milwaukee for Friday’s championship parade and rally; police say it may have drawn the largest crowd for a single-day event in state history. UW Leadership: The Board of Regents unanimously chose Tonja Johnson, a senior administrator in the University of Alabama System, to lead the Universities of Wisconsin starting around Jan. 1. Housing: Rock County issued permits for 284 housing units through September, up 3.6% from last year. Janesville’s total jumped 75% to 103.
Power and Data Centers: Alliant Energy says it is pursuing roughly 1 gigawatt in new data-center contracts over the next six months, beyond 3.4 GW already contracted. The added demand could drive investment starting as early as 2029. Election Countdown: Wisconsin voters head to the polls Nov. 3 amid competitive statewide and legislative races. More than 70 school districts are also seeking a combined $1.6 billion through referendums. Brewers’ Breakthrough: Milwaukee celebrated the team’s first World Series title with a downtown parade. But MLB’s labor deal expires Dec. 1, raising the prospect of a lockout and a disrupted 2027 season. Rural Economy: Agritourism generated more than $765 million for Wisconsin in 2025, with Door, Fond du Lac and Calumet counties among the state’s top destinations.
Governor’s Race: Wisconsin’s final campaign push is underway ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Marquette’s latest poll puts Democrat David Crowley at 51% and Republican Tom Tiffany at 44%, as both campaigns make closing pitches. Brewers’ Breakthrough: Milwaukee captured its first World Series title, beating Tampa Bay in five games. A championship parade and rally are planned, and Gov. Tony Evers proclaimed “Brewers Won Our Way” Day. Energy Investment: The U.S. Department of Energy closed a $5.1 billion loan to Alliant Energy for power and storage projects in Wisconsin and Iowa, with the company saying the work will strengthen reliability and help lower bills. Farm Tourism: Wisconsin’s agricultural attractions—from pumpkin patches to flower farms—generated an estimated $765 million in 2025, drawing more than 4.3 million visitors, according to a new state study.
Brewers’ Historic Win: Milwaukee celebrated its first World Series title after beating Tampa Bay in Game 5, ending a 44-year wait and sparking a citywide celebration. Governor’s Race: The final Marquette poll puts Democrat David Crowley ahead of Republican Tom Tiffany, 51% to 44%, less than a week before Election Day. The candidates differ on whether to close the Green Bay and Waupun prisons. Energy Investment: The federal government closed a $5.1 billion loan for Alliant Energy projects in Wisconsin and Iowa, aimed at adding power capacity and strengthening grid reliability; the Department of Energy says the work could save customers more than $1 billion. Consumer Protection: Wisconsin joined the FTC and 20 states suing Dollar General over alleged register overcharges when shelf prices aren’t updated. The retailer denies wrongdoing. Manufacturing: Tomah-made CLiC Smart Privacy Glass won Wisconsin’s Coolest Thing Made contest, which drew 108 nominees. Milwaukee Services: The city withdrew its appointee from the troubled Social Development Commission board, citing concerns about governance and the group’s ability to restore services.
Brewers Make History: Milwaukee beat Tampa Bay 4-1 in Game 5 to win the franchise’s first World Series, capping a 103-win season and sending fans across Wisconsin into celebration. Governor’s Race: Democrat David Crowley leads Republican Tom Tiffany 51% to 44% among likely voters in Marquette’s final poll. Spending in the race has topped $166 million, a state record, with Election Day approaching Nov. 3. Energy Costs: Alliant Energy finalized a $5.1 billion federal loan for projects in Wisconsin and Iowa that would add or upgrade more than 2.6 gigawatts of generating capacity; the company says the financing could lower customer bills. Clean Water: Wisconsin’s new PFAS groundwater rule is set to take effect in 2027, extending protections to private well users.
World Series and Business: The Brewers’ bid for their first title hit a snag as Tampa Bay won Game 4, 4-3, in 12 innings, cutting Milwaukee’s lead to 3-1. The run has brought a boost to local bars, shops and tourism. Election Watch: Spending in Wisconsin’s governor’s race has topped a record $166 million, with David Crowley and Tom Tiffany making final campaign stops ahead of Nov. 3. The state Supreme Court is also weighing whether lawsuits challenging the congressional map can proceed. Clean Water: Wisconsin’s Natural Resources Board approved the state’s first groundwater standards for toxic PFAS, extending protections to private-well users; the rules are set to take effect in 2027 after legislative review. Energy Costs: The U.S. Department of Energy closed a $5.1 billion loan to Alliant Energy, aimed at lowering electricity costs and strengthening grid reliability in Wisconsin and Iowa.
Election 2026: Wisconsin campaigns are already setting spending records, with $42.7 million in paid media tracked in the swing 3rd Congressional District. The governor’s race between David Crowley and Tom Tiffany remains tight, and former Vice President Kamala Harris rallied for Crowley in Milwaukee as Tiffany campaigned in Kenosha. Energy and Jobs: The U.S. closed a $5.1 billion loan to Alliant Energy for new generation, storage and grid upgrades in Iowa and Wisconsin, a package expected to create hundreds of construction jobs. Manufacturing: Tomah-made CLiC Smart Privacy Glass won Wisconsin’s 2026 Coolest Thing Made contest, spotlighting an industry that employs nearly one in five state workers. Brewers: Tampa Bay rallied for a 4-3 walk-off win in 12 innings, ending Milwaukee’s 10-game postseason winning streak and delaying its push for a first World Series title.
Election Watch: Wisconsin has received 513,602 absentee ballots, including 251,092 cast in person, as voters prepare to choose a governor and decide competitive congressional races. In-person absentee voting continues through Nov. 1. Governor’s Race: Kamala Harris rallied in Milwaukee for Democrat David Crowley as he and Republican Tom Tiffany made final campaign stops. Crowley also faces allegations that he sought $250,000 and a job for his wife in exchange for leaving the Democratic primary; his campaign denies the claims. Election Administration: Republican secretary of state candidate Jay Schroeder says he wants the office to take control of elections, a role it has not held for decades. Consumer Protection: Wisconsin joined the FTC and 19 other states in suing Dollar General, alleging stores repeatedly charged customers more at checkout than advertised. The company says it will defend itself. Energy Debate: Residents packed a Poynette-area forum to oppose a proposed 765-kilovolt transmission line that would cross 10 southern Wisconsin counties; the state Public Service Commission will decide on routes. Research: Five UW–Madison technologies, spanning cancer care, solar power, batteries and food science, are finalists for the 2026 WARF Innovation Awards.
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